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Environmental Geology and Geohydrology

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

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Make a difference with a degree in environmental geology and geohydrology

If you’re ready to solve complex environmental challenges involving groundwater, climate change and drought resilience… you’re in the right place!

The University of Wyoming is home to a nationally renowned geohydrology and environmental geology degree program. As part of this unique major, students learn the fundamentals of environmental science and take rigorous coursework to prepare for graduate school and impactful careers.

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Program Details

Tuition and Fees

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Geohydrology and Environmental Geology Degree Requirements

Curriculum & Courses

Department

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Department of Geology and Geophysics

About the B.S. in Environmental Geology and Geohydrology

Environmental geology and geohydrology students take a variety of interesting math, science and environmental geology courses, including mineralogy, geochemistry, earth surface processes and more. In addition to their coursework, students may complete undergraduate research, work with renowned professors and network with professionals.

As you progress through the program, you will also choose elective classes. Our unique elective options allow you to customize your degree program toward your interests and ideal career path.

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Professor and student out in the field in a body of water

Students are encouraged to choose environmental geology courses that fit their individual interests and goals. With this in mind, there are many courses outside the Department of Geology and Geophysics that may be substituted for electives within the major. Students should work with their advisor to determine which classes are right for them. 

Students pursuing the B.S. in geology may not also pursue a B.S. in environmental geology and geohydrology as a double major, and vice versa.

 

Student out in field

What can you do with a geohydrology and environmental geology degree?

Our graduates pursue a variety of careers in the environmental space.  Popular career paths involve working in environmental sciences, energy and natural resources, exploration, water resources, education and research, natural hazards, national parks and government.  

Environmental Geology & Geohydrology Jobs

Notable geology alumni employers:

  • Environmental Consulting Companies e.g. ERM, Terracon, TriHydro
  • State and Federal Government Agencies e.g. USGS, BLM, Wyoming State Engineers Office
  • Water Management Authorities e.g. Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
  • Conservation Groups e.g. Citizens'​ Climate Lobby, Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts
  • Mining & Energy Companies e.g.  Chevron, Laramie Energy LLC
  • Academic and Research Institutions: e.g. University of Wyoming; University of Texas; Stanford University

 

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MANY ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY AND GEOHYDROLOGY MAJORS GO ON TO ENROLL IN GRADUATE DEGREES OR FOLLOW EXCITING CAREERS IN INDUSTRY. RECENT GRADUATES HAVE JOINED:

  • Stanford University
  • University of Texas
  • Colorado School of Mines
  • University of Colorado Boulder
  • Terracon
  • TriHydro
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Environmental Geology and Geohydrology Program Highlights

Environmental geology and geohydrology students have the unique opportunity to learn about climate change, groundwater and drought resilience through hands-on learning opportunities and unique coursework. If you choose to join our program, here are a few highlights you’ll experience:

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Our students benefit from a variety of experiential learning opportunities including field trips, hands-on activities in the classroom and research projects. Students have the opportunity to work with a renowned faculty member on research projects. Recent projects have included field data acquisition in mountain lakes and watersheds, laboratory analysis of rock samples and computational modeling of hydrological processes. 

 

 

Scholarship Opportunities

The Department of Geology and Geophysics provides annual, merit-based scholarships to undergraduate students for research project and conference travel.

Award Winning Faculty

The Department of Geology and Geophysics is home to 25 world renowned, award-winning faculty members, each with expertise in geoscience subfields. Some of our faculty's specialities include climate change, mineral exploration, carbon dioxide sequestration, paleoenvironmental reconstructions and earth processes.

The Department of Geology and Geophysics is composed of Humboldt Fellows, journal editors, Presidents of geoscience professional societies, a Carnegie Professor of the Year and a National Science Foundation division director. Our faculty is not only experienced, but highly accomplished. They’ve won 4 National Science Foundation (NSF) career awards, as well as the Society of Exploration Geophysicist junior career award and the EAGE junior career award.

Student Activities & Networking Opportunities

Students have many opportunities to participate in student associations, professional organizations and career fairs while at UW. In addition to campus-wide networking opportunities, students are encouraged to join the geology club—where students discuss environmental science and socialize with like-minded peers.

Students may also participate in student chapters of professional associations such as the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG).

UW additionally hosts numerous annual career fairs, including the Rocky Mountain Rendezvous, which is specifically for students interested in geosciences. Dozens of companies participate in this event and offer students interviews for internships and full-time jobs.

Research Facilities

The Department of Geology and Geophysics has three research facilities, including the Geochemistry Analytical Laboratory (GAL), the Materials Characterization Laboratory (MCL) and the Near Surface Geophysics Instrumentation Center (UWNSG). These facilities are managed by research scientists who also teach and conduct research at UW.

In addition to research laboratories, UW is also home to the UW Geological Museum. The museum has been around for 125 years and has occupied its current space since the 1950s. It displays fossils, murals and a variety of displays that depict Wyoming’s past environments — including the most complete Allosaurus fossil ever found. The museum gets up to 23,000 visits per year from 30 different countries.   

My professors invested in my future and were always there to help me learn, their guidance was pivotal in my growth as a geologist. The departments flexibility allowed me to focus on classes that I was passionate about and through the program I developed the confidence to help me succeed beyond college.

- Mike J. Burkhart, EGGH Graduate

Related Programs

Interested in a B.S. in environmental geology and geohydrology? These programs may also be of interest to you:


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Department of Geology and Geophysics

1000 E. University Avenue

Laramie, WY 82071-2000

Phone: (307) 766-3386

Email: geol-geophys@uwyo.edu